India's captain Rohit Sharma has discussed his strategy following a remarkable century in the second ODI against England, which has helped him regain his form ahead of the Champions Trophy. The dynamic opener, who faced scrutiny due to a recent slump in international performance, effectively silenced his critics regarding his ODI batting capabilities—a format in which he has excelled.

In pursuit of a target of 305 runs, Rohit exhibited aggressive intent from the outset, launching powerful shots against the English bowlers to establish a solid foundation for a significant victory. The 37-year-old scored 119 runs off 90 deliveries, featuring 12 fours and 7 sixes. His performance was instrumental in India's successful chase, leading to a 4-wicket victory with 33 balls remaining. This triumph has also enhanced India's confidence ahead of the Champions Trophy, as they now hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

After breaking his run drought, Rohit emphasized the importance of continuous improvement for the team and encouraged players to adhere to the guidance provided by the captain and coach. 

“I mentioned after the previous match that our goal is to improve as a team and as individuals. If the players are clear about their roles and execute the captain's and coach's instructions, there is little else to consider,” Rohit stated during the post-match presentation, where he was awarded Player of the Match.

Rohit elaborated on his revised approach to batting in the 50-over format, distinguishing it from the other formats, which have different time constraints.

"It was enjoyable to be out there, contributing runs for the team. This was a crucial match with the series at stake, so I broke my innings down into segments to determine my batting strategy. It is longer than T20s but shorter than Tests, and I aimed to bat as deep as possible, which was my primary focus," Rohit explained.

The prominent batsman faced significant challenges during the red-ball season, particularly struggling against fast bowlers from New Zealand and Australia. Nevertheless, he has consistently demonstrated his superiority in the 50-over format, where he has repeatedly showcased his prowess.

“I wanted to bat as deep as possible”

Rohit elaborated on his strategy for the Cuttack pitch, indicating that he was ready to utilize the full face of his bat on the black solid surface, a decision that proved advantageous for him.

"However, it is essential to evaluate the circumstances and adapt your batting accordingly. I aimed to maintain concentration and bat for as long as possible. When playing on black soil, the pitch often skids, making it crucial to present the full face of the bat. The bowlers were attempting to target the body and limit my space, so I devised a corresponding plan," he remarked.

Read Also: Rohit’s Masterclass: A Hundred Rooted in Faith

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